Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia, was littered with more than 16 tons of garbage during Christmas celebrations, leading officials to ban alcohol at the popular beach.

More than 10,000 people flocked to the beach on Christmas Day, leaving bottles, cigarette boxes, and other trash behind after what the Randwick City Council called a "disgraceful" event, BBC News reported.

Partygoers flouted rules to limit alcohol consumption to between noon and 4 p.m.

"Once it started it was impossible to stop that number of people drinking," Coogee Surf Life Saving Club governor Tony Waller said, according to The Daily Telegraph. “It became a massive rave party with a DJ in the park; there was no warning ... and we had way too many people there to safely control it."

Police made just three arrests for antisocial behavior, according to the newspaper, which noted that lifeguards left the beach at 7:30 p.m. out of fear for their safety.

“The public outrage to the devastation of the parks and beach itself on Christmas Day has been quite phenomenal," Mayor Noel D’Souza said in a statement. "The clear message we've received is that we need to give the beach and nearby parks back to all people to enjoy peacefully and safely.

“It is disappointing we have to take such a strong stance, but we need to reassure the community that they can feel safe when visiting and enjoying the jewel in the crown of Randwick City, Coogee Beach."

The beach is expected to draw crowds for New Year's Eve celebrations, including an annual fireworks display hosted by the Randwich City Council, The Guardian noted.